Joint Statement for Day of Remembrance for the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia

  • Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
  • Education
  • Justice and Public Safety

January 26, 2023

January 29 in Newfoundland and Labrador is designated as the Day of Remembrance for the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia.

As this day approaches, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues its commitment to combatting Islamophobia while remembering and paying tribute to those killed or injured in the horrific events six years ago at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. We also condemn the evil nature of this crime that preyed upon people during a vulnerable and sacred moment inside a house of worship.

At the request of the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism, Confederation Building will be lit green on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The colour green has long been associated with the Islamic faith. Ministers will also be participating in the Green Square Campaign that takes place throughout the week leading up to January 29. Those looking to take part in this collective act of remembrance are encouraged to wear green squares or green clothing.

The Provincial Government and the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to recognize and celebrate the growing communities of Muslims across Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition to ongoing conversations and recognition of Islamic calendar observances, a timeline and list of new actions taken since January 2022 are detailed below. Related pictures are included below.

  • April: At the request of the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, worked to prevent the showing of a film that was inciting anti-Muslim violence in other parts of the world.
  • Early May: Joined hundreds of Muslims in St. John’s as part of the first large Eid gathering in three years.
  • Late May: Condemned violence against Muslim women and girls in response to an alleged assault of Muslim women wearing hijab outside a St. John’s restaurant.
  • June: Funded the expansion of a new Association for New Canadians office in Gander that will help serve the growing Muslim community in the region and met with representatives of the Muslim Association of Central Newfoundland.
  • October: Issued a joint proclamation with the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to recognize October as Islamic History Month and collaborated on the video entitled ‘A Brief History of Muslims in Newfoundland and Labrador.’

We continue to stand with our Muslim friends and neighbours against the scourge of Islamophobia while raising awareness and celebrating their cultures and contributions that enrich our province.

Sincerely:
Honourable Gerry Byrne, Co-Chair
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

Honourable Lisa Dempster, Co-Chair
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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Lighting Confederation Building green to mark the first Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia.
Eid al-Fitr at the Techniplex in St. John’s. The first large Eid gathering in Newfoundland and Labrador since 2019.
Opening of new Association for New Canadians office in Gander. The office will help serve a growing population of Muslims in Central Newfoundland.
Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador President, Dr.Syed Pirzada, signing the Islamic History Month proclamation.
Still frame from the opening shot of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador production of ‘A Brief History of Muslims in Newfoundland and Labrador.’
2023 01 26 4:00 pm